Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Naturalists?
The Collins New Naturalist series is the longest-running and arguably the most influential natural history series in the world. The New Naturalist books cover a variety of natural history topics relevant to the British Isles. Renowned for exemplary research, beautiful covers and low print runs, they appeal to collectors and fans of natural history alike.
What's the difference between the editions available to buy from Collins?
As a publisher, Collins has access to authors and fine binders - enabling us to offer a limited number of signed hardbacks and luxury leatherbound editions for each new title.
Over the years there's been a huge demand among collectors and natural history fans to republish the backlist of out of print titles. The best way for us to do this was to publish each title on demand - meaning when you order a specific book, we print it just for you. Editions 1 -98 are available as print on demand, we hope you like them.
We also offer the first ten in the New Naturalist series as facsimiles of the first editions.
Finally, if you just want the standard hardback or paperback for recent titles, we can provide you with those on our site too.
What is involved in producing my Print on Demand Book?
For each book, the following individual steps are undertaken to create an individual bespoke volume utilizing a digitized version of the original printing.
- Text pages printed digitally on Genuine Traditional Cream Bookwove
- Colour and Black & White Plate sections printed digitally on Gloss Art paper.
- Plates cut up and inserted into the correct position within the book.
- Book is Glued and Lined to form the inside Bookblock of all pages.
- The Bookblock is trimmed on three sides to the correct size.
- End Papers and a Crepe Lining are glued onto the Bookblock to give strength to the book.
- The Case Material, which is Genuine Cloth Library Buckram in the original green colour is cut to size.
- The front and back boards for the Hard Book Case are cut and the Case is hand made by gluing the Cloth to the Boards and sized to match the Bookblock.
- The finished Book is now assembled by Pasting the End Papers and attaching the Bookblock inside the Case.
- The Book is now put in a traditional Book Clamp overnight for the glues to dry.
- The final process is fitting the Jacket, which has been Laminated , to the finished Book.
- Your Hand Made book made specially for you is now ready for shipping direct to your door.
Because your book is individually made to order and hand made using traditional methods, it takes 5 days for us to Print and Bind your individual copy of the New Naturalists series, after which it is ready for dispatch.
There are some subtle differences between an original and the custom made version we will make for you. All text and plates are as the original. However, the case cloth colour although close is not an exact match. Likewise there is no blocking on the spine, and a flatback style case has been used. Lastly, the jacket has been laminated which is a practical coating unavailable at the time of original manufacture. This also distinguishes the print on demand edition from the originals. Each book makes clear on the back cover or flaps and in the edition pages that this is a print on demand editon.
How often are new books added to the series?
Collins publishes on average four new titles a year into the New Naturalist Library. Upcoming titles are discussed and proposals reviewed at the bi-annual editorial board meeting.
What are 'Downloads'?
You can read the first chapter of our most recent publications by saving or opening up our downloadable PDF docs.
What is the Forum and how do I join?
The forum is a free message board, sectioned into specific subject areas and a great place to share your knowledge about the series. You can browse all the messages without logging in, but if you want to post a message you need to register by clicking on Join Us link on the top left of the page. It's free to join.
About Our Site
How do I search for a product?
You can browse or search for the items you would like to order using our main categories, Leatherbound, Signed Copies, Facsimiles, Print on Demand and Standard Editions. If you are looking for a specific class of products you can find this using the dropdown search located on each listing page. The dropdown will bring back results of a particular class within that category.
You can also use the ‘Search the site’ function at the top right of each page for a quicker search, by ISBN number, author, book title or a key word.
How do I place an order?
There are three ways to order with us: through the website; with our customer services team, or by mail order.
Through the website: If you want to order from the newnaturalists.com website, select your item(s) and click on the ‘buy’ button. You will get a ‘Continue shopping’ or ‘Checkout’ option box in the top right corner. If you are ready to checkout, click on this button. You will be directed to an easy to use step-by-step journey to purchase your products.
With our customer services team: You can call or email our customer services team who will be happy to take your order via email or over the phone, Telephone: 0844 576 8112 during business hours (8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday excluding UK Bank Holidays and Public Holidays).
By mail order: You can send your order by writing or by using our download order form together with a cheque, payable to: HarperCollins Publishers, to the following address New Naturalist Web Orders, Web Customer Services, HarperCollins Publishers, Westerhill Road, Glasgow, G64 2QT.
Why do I need to create an account?
Creating an online account allows you to shop much more efficiently and allows you to view your order history. You don’t have to worry about entering your details every time you want to shop with us. Simply fill in your details and create your own personal password. Your details will be saved securely, and you can change your details at any time by logging in and clicking on ‘My Account’ which will take you to the ‘My Profile’ page.
Can I deliver to a different address than my home address?
Yes, you can choose a different address to deliver your goods to other than your billing address by clicking on the option on the ‘Delivery Details’ page. You can also edit your details during the checkout process.
How does international delivery work?
You can buy from or send to an international address. The countries that are eligible for this service are based on our cost and risk assessment, and you can see a list of these countries in the dropdown when you make your selection. Please allow extra time for delivery abroad, and be aware of our international delivery charges, and the local import duties and taxes. For more information, please see the ‘Delivery and Returns Details’ page.
Can I track my order?
We don’t currently have the ability for you to track your order, but you can view your order history through your online account. Log-in with your email address and password which you would have set up at registration, and you will have full access to your order history through the ‘My account’ link on the top right of the site. If you require more details about your order, please contact our customer service team who will be happy to help you, via email or over the phone, Telephone: 0844 576 8112 during business hours (8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday excluding UK Bank Holidays and Public Holidays). Email: weborders@harpercollins.co.uk
Why is there a different returns policy on my Print on Demand book?
The usual returns policy does not apply for Print on Demand product, and these items cannot be returned, unless there is a manufacturing error or product defect. Because they are made exclusively for you, please check that you are happy with your title and quantity ordered. This does not affect your statutory rights. Cancellations and changes must be made by 10.00 a.m. on the day after you place your order.